Transcript Vectors - LIGO

Objectives of this Experience
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Measure the rate at which an object
travels in free-fall.
Define in your own words velocity and
acceleration.
Distinguish between initial, final and
average velocity.
Develop a basic understanding of
vectors.
Objectives of this Experience
(continued)
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Discover the relationship between net force,
acceleration, and mass.
Name four basic forces, describe their
strengths and give some examples of each.
State Newton’s Second Law, be able to use
it in solving problems, and display an
understanding of its application.
Incorporate the concept of gravity in
utilizing Newton’s Second Law.
Vectors
Magnitude and Direction
vector X + vector Y = vector R
Head to Tail Method
Resultant
R
y
X component
y
x
All vectors can be resolved into their x
and y components.
For example: If a plane
was traveling due east at
a speed of 120 mph and
encountered a wind
coming directly from the
south, what would be the
resulting speed of the
airplane and in what
direction would it be
traveling?
What do you remember
about triangles?
Pythagorean Theorem
2
2
2
(Leg X) + (Leg Y) = (Hypotenuse R)
Hypotenuse R
Leg Y
R=
X2 + Y2
Note: This only applies to right triangles
Leg X
Similar Triangles
A Little Trigonometry
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Right Triangles
Sine ө = opposite/hypotenuse
hypotenuse
opposite
Cosine ө = adjacent/hypotenuse
Tangent ө = opposite/adjacent
ө
adjacent
Formulas
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Average Velocity = d/t or (Vf + Vo)/2
(Vf = final velocity. Vo = initial velocity.)
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Acceleration = (Vf – Vo)/t
(Change in velocity/time)
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F = ma (Newton’s Second Law)
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Vf = √(Vo2 + 2ad)
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T = √(2d/g)